Officiating the ceremony to commemorate the milestone. Image taken by AFP.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar’Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Excellency Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore jointly launched the new $50 commemorative notes issued by the two countries in a ceremony held today at the Istana Presidential Palace, Singapore, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

The Currency Interchangeability Agreement took effect on 12 June 1967 between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore to facilitate improved economic and trade relations between the parties, and is a key economic cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. It was signed by the then Chairman of the Brunei Currency Board (now known as Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam) and the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Currency, Singapore (which merged with the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2002).

Under the Agreement, AMBD and MAS will accept the currency issued by the other, and to exchange it at par and without charge, into their own currency. Banks in both countries will accept for deposit from the general public and businesses, currency issued by the other country at par.

Through the years, the Agreement has brought about economic benefits and strengthened the financial links between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. Today’s joint launch of the new $50 commemorative notes reaffirms to the public, retailers and financial institutions in both countries that Brunei Darussalam and Singapore currency notes are still interchangeable at par.

The commemorative notes will be made available to the general public both in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore from 2pm today, 5 th July 2017, while the circulation notes will be available from 2pm Friday, 7th July 2017 across all banks and their branches in both countries.

For more information on the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, please visit AMBD’s website at www.ambd.gov.bn or download the AMBD App through the Appstore or Google Playstore.

There has been so much buzz on the commemorative notes from AMBD as many were interested in them. I won’t be surprised if the stocks they have currently will run out in a few days time. I’m hoping to get hold of them once I get back from my short trip.

The new Brunei BND50 note

The new Singapore SGD 50 note

Interesting fact: The special bills, which were jointly designed by Brunei’s Abdul Ajihis Haji Terawih, and Singapore artists Eng Siak Loy and Weng Ziyan, pay tribute to the ties between the two countries.

The front of the B$50 and S$50 notes remain unique to each sovereign nation – Brunei’s features a portrait of the Sultan, and Singapore one of its first president Yusof Ishak – the shared design on the back of these notes reflects “our common values, as well as key areas of our close cooperation, including in defence education and tourism.

The designs on the back include sketches of students, among other items.

The flowers in full bloom on the front symbolise “the flourishing friendship between the two countries”, a joint statement by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and its Brunei counterpart said.

The front also includes the 50th anniversary logo of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, which came into effect on June 12, 1967.

Lim Yu Kwang, the Country Head & General Manager for Maybank Brunei, Bobby Sia, Head of Business & Transaction Banking and Woo Chang Huei, Product and Marketing Strategy during the press conference

Maybank Brunei has been recognised as the ‘Best Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Bank, Brunei 2017’ instituted by Capital Finance International, United Kingdom. This marks the second time Maybank Brunei has received the award, with the first being in 2015. The milestone was addressed during a press conference last weekend.

According to the judges’ remarks from Capital Finance International, being the only fully localised foreign bank in the country, Maybank Brunei is fully integrated with the Brunei business community and maintains a vast network of contacts that keep the bank abreast of developments and allow it to help SMEs grow and prosper.

Maybank Brunei’s Head of Business Banking & Transaction Banking, Bobby Sia said, “Despite the challenging business environment, Maybank Brunei achieved a double digit growth in its profit before tax (PBT) for 2016 and will be looking to further build its SMEs presence in the Brunei financial market.

“Winning this award again is a testimony of our commitment to the market as well as our capabilities to leverage our position as the only fully localised foreign bank in Brunei,” he added.

Congratulations on the milestone, Maybank Brunei

The certificate for their achievement

Maybank Brunei has new conference rooms for future training sessions.

The recognition comes close on the heels of the bank receiving the ‘Fastest Growing Bank, Brunei 2016’ accolade from Global Banking and Finance Review, UK for the second consecutive year last year and Maybank Brunei is looking to repeat the feat again in 2017.

Lim Yu Kwang, the Country Head & General Manager for Maybank Brunei said, “Maybank Brunei has been operating in Brunei for the past 57 years. We are a full-fledged bank providing full retail and commercial banking products and services in Brunei. We have a team of dedicated and experienced staff who are committed to serve the needs of our clients.

“We are truly an Asean bank with presence in all 10 member countries with well-established networks. We understand Asean markets better than most of our peers. On top of that, our presence has also been extended to other markets out of the Asean region such as China, Hong Kong, London and New York to name a few.”

Maybank Brunei will strive to continue its strong performance which it has accomplished evidently in recent years and work towards providing better products, solutions and exemplary services to its clients.

Maybank Brunei also hinted on having an online banking after receiving positive feedback from their customers.

Also present at the press conference was Woo Chang Huei, Product and Marketing Strategy for Maybank Brunei.

This Ramadhan, Baiduri Bank is collaborating with Cantik Spa, a luxury spa nestled in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, to offer Baiduri cardmembers exclusive savings for the upcoming festive season.

Until the 29th June 2017, Baiduri cardmembers get 1 complimentary treatment when they purchase a full priced treatment using a Baiduri Bank issued credit, debit or prepaid card. The offer is applicable from at Cantik Spa, located at the Radisson Hotel only.

Terms and conditions of the promotion can be viewed on the Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com.bn under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank mobile app – Baiduri Deals. For more information, customers may also contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Hotline at 2449666.

Baiduri Bank is one of the largest providers of financial products in Brunei, and holds franchise to four major card brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express as well as the UnionPay.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank current promotions and events this Ramadhan, the public can also follow Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook or @baiduribank on Instagram and Twitter and check out the hashtag #baiduriramadhan2017.

Baiduri Bank is collaborating with First Emporium & Supermarket to exclusively reward Baiduri cardmembers in a promotion held at First Emporium & Supermarket Batu Satu Branch from 28th May to 30th June 2017.

During the promotion period, with every BND50 spent and paid using a Baiduri Bank issued credit, debit or prepaid card, customers will receive one chance to enter the Hari Raya Lucky Draw Bonanza and win shopping vouchers.

The grand prize for the draw is worth BND2,000 while second prize is worth BND1,000 and the third prize is worth BND500. In addition, the fourth prize and fifth prize are worth BND400 and BND300 respectively while the sixth prize is worth BND200. In addition, there are 14 consolation prizes worth BND80 to be won.

“At Baiduri Bank, we always aim to give customers a good experience. The Hari Raya festival is a time when families will have to fork out extra to meet the annual festive season. By taking advantage of this promotion, cardmembers stand a chance to win shopping vouchers to help offset their expenses”, quoted Pg Azaleen bin Pg Dato Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network in Baiduri Bank.

Terms and conditions of the promotion can be viewed on Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com.bn under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank mobile app – Baiduri Deals. For more information, customers may also contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Hotline at 2449666.

Baiduri Bank is one of the largest providers of financial products in Brunei, and holds franchise to four major card brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express as well as the UnionPay.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank current promotions and events this Ramadhan, the public can also follow Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook or @baiduribank on Instagram and Twitter and check out the hashtag #baiduriramadhan2017.

In his welcoming address, Mr Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank, spoke on the aim of the Baiduri Masters. “We organise the Baiduri Masters as one of our contributions to supporting our community by making a difference. Through this platform, we help to raise funds for local charities, particularly the charity organisations that cater towards individuals with specials needs with the hope to alleviate their burden.”

From the Baiduri Masters charity golf tournament proceeds, B$65,000 was donated to five charity organisations during the prize presentation ceremony.

The first cheque was presented to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam was received by Hj Ahmad bin Hj Abd Rahman, Policy and Planning Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam. This was followed by the second cheque for SMARTER Brunei and was received by Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman, President of SMARTER Brunei. The Learning Ladders Society was presented with a cheque and was received by Dr Nornasibah binti Hj Abd Samad. The next charity organisation to receive their cheque was the Developmental Paediatric Services and was received by Hj Amin bin Hj Ibrahim. A cheque was also presented to YASKA and was received by Siti Zaleha binti Abdi Manaf.

A cheque was also presented to the Community Development Department, JAPEM. The cheque was received by Hj Rosmadee Hj Mohd Daud.

Shortly after, the presentation of the coveted Green Jacket by Mr Andrew Young, President of the Baiduri Masters Organising Committee to the 22nd Baiduri Masters Champion.

This was followed by the official announcement of the 22nd Baiduri Masters champion. Presenting the Challenge Trophy to the champion, Qawim Hj Aslimon was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah, the Guest of Honour of the event. Qawim Hj Aslimon was also awarded a cash prize of B$1,500. He is a first-time champion and concluded the tournament with a gross score of 75.

A first for the Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament is the introduction of the Ladies Gross Champion, Vanessa Boumba Marie. She concluded the tournament with a gross score of 77 and a cash prize of B$500.

In the Hole-in-One challenge, Dato Paduka Hj Suhaimi bin Hj Gafar walked away with a cheque of B$20,000. DP Hj Suhaimi aced hole 12 on Friday, 5 May 2017 around 5pm. DP Hj Suhaimi would be the second ever golfer to walk away with the cash prize of $20,000 with Kahar Bakar being the first 2 years ago. The cheque of $20,000 was presented by Mr Pierre Imhof.

In the Pace Setter Challenges for both Fridays, 28 April and 5 May 2017, Nujaimi Hj Jumat and Suhaimi Hj Ibrahim walked away with cash prizes of $200 each. Nujaimi ended his round with a nett score of 69 while Suhaimi ended his round with a nett score of 67.

In what has turned out to be a spectacular start to the second weekend of golf, the Baiduri Masters 2017 saw Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar ace hole 12 to snag the $20,000 cash prize. He became the fifth ever golfer to strike a hole-in-one in the 22 year history of the Baiduri Masters and the second ever golfer to walk away with the $20,000 cash prize. Kahar Bakar was the first golfer to walk away with the $20,000 cash prize in 2015.

Under sub-optimal conditions for a round of golf, DP Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, with luck on his side and armed with his trusty Maruman Majesty 9-iron, struck his Titleist NXT No. 1 ball at 5pm which bounced on the green and rolled straight into the cup.

A hole-in-one prize works on the premise that if there is more than one winner, the prize will be shared among the winners. As such, DP Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar will have to wait until the end of the tournament this Sunday to know if he is the outright winner of the $20,000 cash prize.

By the end of today’s session, the Top 16 Leaderboard saw a lot of movement with the addition of five new contenders: Khairul Khamis, Irfan Rahman, Kalali Hj Munchit, Hj Khairul Jamaluddin and Dennis Koh.

Suhaimi Ibrahim took the top spot with an impressive score of 69. He improved his previous score by 3 strokes and moved up 4 places. Tied for second, third and fourth are Ahmad Yani Hj Md Noor, Pg Hj Ahmad Zaki, and Seruji Hj Setia with a gross of 71.

Similarly, the next three spots also saw a tie between Hj Khairul Jamaluddin, Md Kamarul Hafiz and Pg Hj Razali Pg Sabli with a score of 74.

Rounding off the top sixteen were Dennis Koh and Rudy Hairywan Yussof with a tied score of 75.

Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafa with his golfing buddies

The leader board score

The Baiduri Masters 2017 will continue tomorrow with the final round being played on Sunday morning. The top 16 gross players at the end of tomorrow’s session will make the cut to vie for the Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy.

Besides the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy, the golfers also have the chance to score the fantastic hole-in-one prizes comprising two luxury cars and three cash prizes of B$20,000 each.

Other than the BMW 320i M Sport at hole 14, other hole-in-one prizes on offer this year are the Mini Cooper S for Hole 5, and B$20,000 cash each for Holes 2, 12 and 16.

Additionally, there will be novelty prizes up for grabs for the nearest to the pin throughout the tournament and also longest drive as well as lucky draw prizes.

As with every year, proceeds raised during the Baiduri Masters will be donated to local charity organisations that help persons with special needs integrate into the wider society.

Those who haven’t registered for the tournament can still do so at the RBA Golf Club, First Floor, VIP Room. Registration for Saturday afternoon and Sunday opens at 6.00 am to 8.30 pm. Participants are encouraged to play more than once to improve their chances of winning, and they will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their subsequent rounds.

The Baiduri Masters are held over two weekends at the RBA Golf Club, Berakas and played on format System 36 (Stroke Play) and the challenge trophy will be decided on gross. The Baiduri Masters tournament is divided into 4 divisions – Men’s, Group, Ladies and Junior. The Men’s division will be further divided into Men’s Gross, Men’s Nett and Senior Golfers Nett.

For more details, the public can log onto the website www.baiduri.com or call the Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 244 9666.

Following are the updates from the RBA Golf Club. By the end of the first weekend, the Baiduri Masters saw a total of 328 golfers vying for their opportunity to don the coveted Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy.

The next three spots consist of Nujaimi Hj Jumat, Zulehram Yakub, and Pg Hj Zamani Pg Hj Ahmed with a gross of 73 each. Nujaimi Hj Jumat fell down the leaderboard by 3 places whereas Zulehram Yakub returned to the Top 16. He improved his last score by 7 strokes.

The next two spots saw Md Kamarul Hafiz and Pg Hj Razali Pg Sabli tied with a score of 74. Similarly, the next two spots also saw a tie between Rudy Hairywan Yussof and Chu Vui Kiat with a score of 75. Rudy Hairywan Yussof went down 6 places.

Rounding off the top sixteen were Pg Dato Hj Wahab, Hj Azaman Daud, David Liaw, and Edwin Liew with a tied score of 76. Both Hj Azaman Daud and David Liaw moved down the leaderboard by 8 places.

At the conclusion of the first weekend, it is still anyone’s championship. Will the final weekend see another major shift in the leaderboard? Will the conditions be optimal for another exciting round of golf? Let’s find out next week.

The Baiduri Masters 2017 will continue next weekend, 5 to 7 May 2017. The top 16 gross players overall will get the opportunity to vie for the Green Jacket.

Besides the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy, the golfers also have the chance to score the fantastic hole-in-one prizes comprising two luxury cars and three cash prizes of B$20,000 each.

Other than the BMW 320i M Sport at hole 14, other hole-in-one prizes on offer this year are the Mini Cooper S for Hole 5, and B$20,000 cash each for Holes 2, 12 and 16.

Additionally, there will be novelty prizes up for grabs for the nearest to the pin throughout the tournament and also longest drive as well as lucky draw prizes.

As with every year, proceeds raised during the Baiduri Masters will be donated to local charity organisations that help persons with special needs integrate into the wider society.

Those who haven’t registered for the tournament can still do so at the RBA Golf Club, First Floor, VIP Room. Registration opens at 6.00 am to 8.30 pm. Participants are encouraged to play more than once to improve their chances of winning, and they will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their subsequent rounds.

The Baiduri Masters are held over two weekends at the RBA Golf Club, Berakas and played on format System 36 (Stroke Play) and the challenge trophy will be decided on gross. The Baiduri Masters tournament is divided into 4 divisions – Men’s, Group, Ladies and Junior. The Men’s division will be further divided into Men’s Gross, Men’s Nett and Senior Golfers Nett.

For more details, the public can log onto the website www.baiduri.com or call the Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 244 9666.

Jovian Mandagie, CEO and Creative Director of Jovian and Jacquline, owner of Bajoo’ Butik during the press conference of JBoxing event

Article by Lyna Mohamad of Borneo Bulletin. The fashion event JBoxing this year will be held in Brunei at The Empire Hotel & Country Club from May 5-7 (next weekend) and will see the launching of Jovian’s first bag collection.

Inspired from London’s Boxing Day, JBoxing is fashion line Jovian’s annual event. This year, Jovian Mandagie, CEO and Creative Director of Jovian, will host the event while launching its first bag collection, the Jovian Borsa, and its new Jovian Men and the Little Boy Collection.

“I have always wanted to have an event in Brunei and I figured that the time has come. Due to a lot of requests, we have decided to bring JBoxing to Brunei,” said Jovian in a press conference last weekend.

The event which will also see the Little Kids Collection from the Lisa Surihani Collection, Savannah Collection for Zalora Fashion and the JLuxe Collection, has become a phenomenon for every fashionista, especially those craving for Jovian RTW (‘Ready-To-Wear’).

Always a wonderful chemistry between the two 😀

BMW is one of the partners for JBoxing event

Great turnout during the press conference last weekend

Good to see Jovian and Bajoo’ pulling strings together

Jovian’s a happy camper to see his banner up by the roadside

Jovian said Bruneians will get to see “an exciting project” between him and Jackie of Bajoo Butik, with the launch of the kid’s line designs for the Brunei and Malaysian markets.

“I think this is a high achievement and a great benchmark for Jackie for being able to collaborate with a brand from Malaysia,” he said. “JBoxing is an event where we would have exclusive, new launches of a collection, as well as special discounts on items,” said Jovian. “There are also items on a flat price basis, or that might turn into a free giveaway.”

From only 4,000 visitors in the first year it was launched, the number of people coming to the ‘box’ has increased every year, with a record 40,000 visitors last year.

“We are very much ready to shake the city with a new experience of shopping… We are expecting visitors coming from all over Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak,” said Jovian, who expects 15,000 visitors this year.

The CEO expressed his appreciation to Baiduri Bank Group, DST, BMW, Mix Mediaworks, Brunei Press and other partners for bringing the event into the international stage.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager of Operations Management Division and Diversification and Strategic Development cum President of the Organising Committee of Baiduri Masters 2017

The Baiduri Bank Group officially launched the 22nd Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament. The tee-off by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, took place at Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club at 6:45am.

Present at the ceremony was Mr Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager of Operations Management Division and Diversification and Strategic Development cum President of the Organising Committee of Baiduri Masters 2017. Also present were Hj Haliluddin Dato Haji Talib, General Manager of Baiduri Finance cum Vice President of the Baiduri Masters 2017, Pg Azaleen bin Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network cum Co-Vice President of the Baiduri Masters 2017 as well as other senior management and staff of Baiduri Bank Group.

The event began with the opening remarks by Mr Andrew Young. He said, “Since its humble beginning in 1995, the pioneer Baiduri Charity Golf Tournament attracted a modest 200 players, but now 22 years later, the Baiduri Masters regularly attracts nearly 1,000 participants, with the highest number reaching close to 1,100 in 2013.” Soon after the Tee-Off, Yang Berhormant Pehin received a token of appreciation in the form of a Baiduri Masters Official Golf shirt.

By the end of the afternoon session today, multiple-time Baiduri Masters Champion Seruji Hj Setia was in the lead with an even gross score of 71, followed closely by Suhaimi Ibrahim with a score of 72. To finish off the top 3 is Nujaimi Hj Jumat with a score of 73. Tied with a score of 80 are Pg Hj Ahmad Zaki, Asmawi Ismail, Md Zulehram Yakub, Rozaimi Ahmad, Hj Md Khairul Jamuluddin, Hj Shaiful Rizal PD Dr Hj Ahmad, and Pg Hj Zamani Pg Hj Ahmed.

Baiduri Bank organisers of the Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament with the partners

The highly anticipated annual golf tournament, the Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament is set to tee off in a fortnight spanning two weekends, 28 to 30 April and 5 to 7 May 2017. This year marks the 22nd edition of the Baiduri Masters organised by Baiduri Bank Group.

Thanks to the support of strategic partner – the QAF Group of Companies, the much awaited hole-in-one car prizes for Baiduri Masters 2017 was confirmed this morning at the Partnership Signing Ceremony held at the QAF Centre. Besides two luxury cars, players will also stand a chance to win three cash prizes plus numerous other tournament prizes at the Baiduri Masters 2017.

The hole-in-one prizes for this year are as follows: BMW 320i M Sport for Hole 14; Mini Cooper S for Hole 5; and $20,000 cash prize for Holes 2, 12 and 16.

The event began with the opening remarks by Mr. Pierre Imhof, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank. He said, “Since the tournament’s inception in 1995, the Baiduri Masters has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference. The tournament has been raising funds for local charities and organisations that support people with special needs and promotes activities that help people with special needs integrate into society. Last year, we were able to raise $85,000 for charity.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony began with a signing between the Baiduri Bank Group and the RBA Golf Club. Another MOU between Baiduri Bank Group and Brunei Press was also signed this morning to appoint Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as the print media partners for the event.

The signing ceremony with all the strategic partners. This picture was between Baiduri Bank and RBA Golf Club

The champion of theBaiduri Masters 2016 was Tony Hj Karim, a first time Baiduri Masters champion. Rounding out the top 5 were Zulhilmi Rosli, Seruji Hj Setia, Johari Hj Ahmad and Pg Hj Ahmad Zaki.

The upcoming golf tournament is divided into four divisions: Men’s, Ladies, Juniors and Team. The Men’s division will be further divided into Men’s Open and Senior Golfers categories. The Junior Golfers category is open to golfers aged 13 to 18 years old.

Registration commences from Monday, 17 April 2017 and the registration fee remains at BND120 for adults and BND60 for juniors. The registration fee is inclusive of green fee, buggy, goodie bag as well as buffet breakfast and lunch. Players are invited to the prize presentation dinner at the end of the tournament.

Players may play more than once to improve their chances of winning. Adult players will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their second and subsequent rounds. The best score of any round played will be taken.

For more information, please contact the Baiduri Customer Helpline at 244 9666 or log onto www.baiduri.com.

Check out the BMW golf wear

The BMW golf equipment looks elegant

Who’s gonna lift the Baiduri Masters trophy?

The previous winner of the hole-in-one back in 2015. This was the last time someone won a hole-in-one. Sadly there won’t be any Porsche lined up for the hole-in-one prize

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About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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